Public health legislation, policies and guidelines aim to promote health and wellbeing and to prevent disease in the Victorian community. Public health strategies aim to promote healthier eating and active living; reduce the harm caused by smoking, alcohol and drug use and reduce the risk posed by potentially dangerous substances to ensure safe environments for all Victorians.

Novel coronavirus 2019

The department is working closely with the Victorian health sector, Commonwealth and international agencies to respond appropriately to the outbreak of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.

A-Z of public health

Chief Health Officer

Dr Brett Sutton is Victoria's Chief Health Officer and acts as the government's primary media spokesperson on matters relating to the control of disease and promotion of health such as communicable diseases, environmental contamination, radiation, food safety, ethics and public health emergencies.